Improving Your Image Through Visual Communications



Journalist - Photographer - Writer

Sunday 25 November 2012

Eye-catching range of Season's Greetings cards

By Darren Stones

Season's Greetings cards are a terrific gift giving idea and let us save you valuable shopping time by offering a collection of eye-catching designs.

We've included the words "Season's Greetings" on the front of all our cards so they can be used regardless of religious circumstances.

See our Season's Greetings card designs


With punchy colours and a subtle drop shadow added to the Season's Greetings text, our greeting cards are available in two sizes:
  • Standard Greeting Card - 100 x 150mm / 4” x 6”
  • Large Greeting Card - 125 x 190 mm / 5” x 7.5”

Each greeting card is 300gsm with a satin finish, and blank on the inside so you can tailor your special message to the recipient. Each card is supplied with a white envelope.

Purchase 16+ cards and receive a massive 30% discount. And the great thing is, you can purchase different card designs to make up your 16+ cards to receive the discount. How good is that?

So what are you waiting for? Check out our Season's Greetings card designs today and make your purchase. You will be glad we saved you another trip to the shopping centre.

See our Season's Greetings card designs



Friday 16 November 2012

What to look for when employing mature-aged job seekers

By Darren Stones

In a world where the workforce is having to continually adapt to change, it's imperative to consider employing experienced people who have a breadth of knowledge and skills that can be drawn upon by younger people within a business or company. By doing so, positive action can be taken to building a rounded team where ideas are shared for the betterment of the business or company and their clients.

Mature-aged job seekers who may be experiencing unforeseen circumstances where they now need to find alternative employment, can bring their life experiences and talents to a new work environment and positively contribute to increased sales, performance and reputation.

Australia is currently going through a workforce transition where thousands of manufacturing and media positions are being made redundant, so this presents exciting opportunities for those who want to change career and possibly enrol in some form of course or training.

There are numerous benefits to employing mature-aged staff into positions where the clients of a business may prefer to engage with people of similar age. This is something that employers need to consider because it can lead to word-of-mouth referrals and increased sales.

Mature-aged job seekers will most likely have a sound background in volunteering and contributing in some way to the community. Regard this highly because it is a clear indication that they are willing to make a positive difference for others.

Life achievements, awards, and continued learning are also factors to consider as these demonstrate active participation and initiative.

Consider these key characteristics and qualities when looking to employ mature-aged people:
  • Life experience  
  • Gained knowledge and skills through work and study
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances
  • Willingness to promote the business or company they work for via word-of-mouth
  • Voluntary contributions to the community
  • Achievements and awards 
  • Continued learning
I am happy to know your views about this topic and invite your comments.

Monday 5 November 2012

Superb eye-catching range of Season's Greetings cards

By Darren Stones

Season's Greetings cards are a terrific gift giving idea and let us save you valuable shopping time by offering a collection of eye-catching designs.

We've included the words "Season's Greetings" on the front of all our cards so they can be used regardless of religious circumstances.

See our Season's Greetings card designs


With punchy colours and a subtle drop shadow added to the Season's Greetings text, our greeting cards are available in two sizes:
  • Standard Greeting Card - 100 x 150mm / 4” x 6”
  • Large Greeting Card - 125 x 190 mm / 5” x 7.5”

Each greeting card is 300gsm with a satin finish, and blank on the inside so you can tailor your special message to the recipient. Each card is supplied with a white envelope.

Purchase 16+ cards and receive a massive 30% discount. And the great thing is, you can purchase different card designs to make up your 16+ cards to receive the discount. How good is that?

So what are you waiting for? Check out our Season's Greetings card designs today and make your purchase. You will be glad we saved you another trip to the shopping centre.

See our Season's Greetings card designs



Sunday 4 November 2012

New photographic print products featuring the Maribyrnong River

By Darren Stones

The Maribyrnong River meanders its way through Melbourne's north-west suburbs and is a fantastic recreational area. As a local or tourist visiting the area you will find an excellent walking circuit that crosses the the Afton Street Footbridge.

For those who enjoy coffee, a stop at the Boathouse Cafe will provide the option of dining indoors or outdoors. The outdoor timber deck area directly overlooks the river and is the place to be on a sunny day.

You can learn to row at the Essendon Rowing Club, where they conduct learning sessions for all ages. There's parks with BBQs, playgrounds, and a whole lot more.

I've released new photographic print products featuring the Maribyrnong River and they are available as a:
  • Postcard
  • Greeting Card
  • Photographic Print
  • Matted Print
  • Canvas Print
  • Framed Print
  • Poster
Lots of great options to suit your budget and a great gift idea for a friend or relative.
View all the new Maribyrnong River photographic print product options.

These products are also suitable for displaying and selling in cafes, restaurants, newsagencies, gift shops, and other retail outlets.



Saturday 3 November 2012

Shannon Noll in Black and White

By Darren Stones

There was something that just made me process this unique image of Shannon Noll in black and white. Generally I'm not one to process images in black and white, however this photograph of Shannon seems well suited to the style.

With him reaching skyward and belting out a song, the raw energy and emotion he displays while performing makes you want to listen to LOUD.

Shannon Noll IMG_9272_Shannon_Noll
Shannon Noll by Darren Stones


How to improve your photography by participating in photography mentoring

By Darren Stones

For someone who actively participates in photography, it can be a fulfilling experience to connect with a like-minded person and achieve goals as part of a photography mentoring partnership. As an amateur photographer, you can further develop your knowledge by discussing your plans with a more experienced photographer who is willing to share knowledge and ideas, and exchange wisdom and thoughts.

Fast-track your learning
You can improve your photographic knowledge and fast-track your learning, by initiating a photography mentoring partnership with a mentor who will facilitate positive discussion and support you to achieve agreed goals.

Surfing at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_7706_Torquay

Constructive feedback and advice
Photography is a continuing learning experience because it provides you with exciting opportunities to further develop your skills, increase your network, and share your newly created images. As a photographer, you can discover new insights with a photography mentor who will provide you with constructive feedback and advice.


 

Facilitating growth
Over the years I have been mentored by people who have successfully facilitated my growth, and they did so by encouraging me to set realistic goals and discover information. My mentors did not attempt to solve problems. We discussed my goals and they encouraged me to initiate my journey to improving my knowledge and skills.

Kite Surfing, Zeally Bay, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_5373_Torquay

Discuss how goals can be achieved
In the 1990s, I was mentored by a former secondary school teacher. Our common interest was playing golf at the local club, and in particular the Rules of Golf. My goal was to achieve Club Level Rules Accreditation, and my mentor and I participated in a mentoring process during planned meetings where we discussed how I could achieve my goal. Our mentoring partnership was conducted over four months and I achieved the rules accreditation that I wanted with a perfect score of 50 out of 50, which was better than my mentor achieved! My mentor was highly skilled at the rules of golf and his achievements included officiating at the Australian Open and other professional events, and numerous amateur tournaments at national, state and local level.

Develop a plan to achieve a goal
During the early stages of developing my photography business I was involved in a mentoring partnership for six months as part of the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme. My specific mentoring goal was to increase sales of my framed prints, cards and calendars. My mentor and I discussed how developing and implementing a marketing plan would help me to achieve my goal. We achieved success because we completed a planned process that included an achievable goal. My mentor held qualifications in business and marketing, and she was successful in her own business pursuits as well as being a TAFE trainer and mentor.


Initiate a mentoring partnership
Photography mentoring is an enjoyable learning process where a less experienced photographer can initiate a mentoring partnership with a more experienced photographer. As a professional photographer, I have knowledge and skills that I'm willing to share with amateur photographers who want to improve their photography knowledge and skills.

Create your new pathway
As a photographer who wants to advance your standard of photography, I invite you to contact me by email or phone. We can discuss your photography mentoring needs so you can create your new photography pathway.

Tabourie Lake, New South Wales, Australia, boys fishing IMG_3746_Tabourie_Lake

Contact information
Darren Stones
42 Melbourne Avenue
Glenroy, Victoria 3046.
Mobile: 0419 200 469
Email: darrengstones@gmail.com

Further information
Further details about my photography mentoring service are located on the "Mentoring" page.

Download, save and print the 20-page PDF information booklet

Download and print the Photography Mentoring flier

Ring-tailed Lemur, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia IMG_1376_Dubbo

Thursday 1 November 2012

Afton Street Footbridge at Essendon

By Darren Stones

The Afton Street Footbridge is a hugely popular crossing point over the Maribyrnong River at Essendon. As part of the Maribyrnong River Loop Walk, the bridge offers excellent views both in an easterly and westerly direction.

Afton Street Footbridge, Maribyrnong River, Essendon, Victoria, Australia IMG_2421_Maribyrnong_River
Afton Street Footbridge

I walk regularly in this area and find it to be a a haven in suburbia. The walking path follows the twists and turns of the river and a feature along the shore is the magnificent palm trees.

Afton Street Footbridge, Maribyrnong River, Essendon, Victoria, Australia IMG_2423_Maribyrnong_River
Afton Street Footbridge

From a photographic viewpoint, these images were taken during the afternoon from the north side of the river. Directly adjacent to the bridge is a car park, and it can be accessed from The Boulevarde and Afton Street.